Shenzhen is a city in southern China, bordering the famous Hong Kong. It is the fastest growing region of the republic. This is a large financial, industrial and commercial center, attracting the attention of not only Western investors, but also many tourists who want to visit China. Shenzhen is an excellent example of modern urban architecture, represented mainly by skyscrapers. But lovers of Chinese history will find many interesting sights here.
History of the city
Shenzhen is a young city whose construction began only in 1979. However, this territory has never been deserted. On the coast there were many fishing villages. Later, with the support of Chinese emperors, the salt industry developed here. The center of this region was the city of Nantou, which was considered the southern gate of the Middle Kingdom. VIII century chronicles indicate that merchants made a stop at Nantou, and the Chinese army guarded the river delta.
According to the chronicles, in the 13th century, the last Chinese emperor from the Southern Song dynasty died in the territory of the future city, who tried to escape from the persecution of the hostile khan who invaded China. Shenzhen became the resting place of the fallen ruler. In the modern city, a symbolic monument and a tomb were erected in memory of him.
Shenzhen's modern history dates back to the 1970s, when the actual leader of China, Deng Xiaoping, chose these territories to form a new economic zone. It was supposed to be a counterweight to the rapidly developing Hong Kong, which at that time was under British rule. A small fishing village, numbering about 30 thousand people, began to be actively built up, turning into a modern large metropolis.
Folk Village "Magnificent China"
Fans of eastern history and culture should definitely visit the magnificent village of "Magnificent China." The park has a huge number of miniature attractions, which are famous for China. Shenzhen will surprise you with almost detailed execution of monuments. There is even a small version of the Great Wall of China, which extends throughout the park. To keep the atmosphere of minimalism, only dwarf trees grow in the park. All this allows you to feel like a real giant in the country of Lilliputians.
The total area of the theme park is about 30 hectares. The whole territory is divided into two parts. One of them is directly folklore "Magnificent China", and the second is called "Village of Chinese Folk Culture". And if in the first part you can see the main attractions of the country, then the second part of the park will tell about the culture of the eastern villages, also made in miniature. Getting to the park is very easy. To do this, you need to purchase tickets at the entrance. The territory of the village is vast, so it is unlikely to get around it completely in one day.
Park "Window to the World"
Another theme park is located in the western part of the city and is called "Window to the World." Unlike "Magnificent China", miracles of the world are located here from all over the world. Visitors can see the famous Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Roman Colosseum. Miniature copies fully repeat their originals. Moreover, tourists can not only look at them, but also visit. So, from the height of the miniature Eiffel Tower offers an amazing view of Shenzhen. You can also take part in an impromptu descent along the Colorado River or go on an African safari.
At the weekend, the park hosts various festivals and holidays. Visitors to the park can buy tickets right at the entrance or book an excursion in advance, only deciding to visit China. Shenzhen allocated a huge area for the park, so it will take several days to fully explore the “Window to the World", because its territory occupies almost 50 hectares. It is divided into several thematic zones: Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Oceania, the World and the Center for Contemporary Science.
Mount Wutong
Shenzhen is not only famous for its theme parks. China, the sights of which are very extensive, attracts, first of all, for its distinctive nature. The Wutong Mountain, which is the highest in the region, became an example of a classic natural monument. Its height is almost 950 meters above sea level.
The climb is carried out on specially equipped steps and lasts an average of about 4 hours. It is best to start climbing the mountain on weekdays, so as not to catch a large number of tourists. You do not need to take food and drinks with you, on the way to the top there are many small shops selling everything you need at an affordable price. In addition to them, along the way tourists will find bike paths, souvenir shops and even a Buddhist temple.
Dapan Fortress
Dapan Fortress is a historical monument that embodies ancient China. Shenzhen is a newly built city, so ancient buildings are rare here. The fortress itself was built in the XIV century and was once part of the ancient city. Dapan was a sea fortress that defended the state from the south. Now there are many buildings preserved dating back to the reign of the Ming Dynasty. The fortress played an important role in the famous Opium Wars, and was also famous for its cannons, which defended the city from Japanese pirates.
Any traveler must visit China. Shenzhen, the photo of which is presented above, will be an excellent option for those who love modern architecture, natural monuments, and ancient historical places. The unique city will not leave indifferent any visitor.